HICKORY — Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism will host the Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Trail Run at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at the Lake Hickory Trails, the City of Hickory said July 6, 2026.
The city said the course mixes paved trail with off-road stretches that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks, and other trail features. Every participant must carry a light, either a headlamp or a flashlight.
Early registration is $30 through Aug. 3, then $35. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries stays open until 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. A custom T-shirt is included with purchases made before Aug. 3.
Bib and shirt pickup is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Highland Recreation Center, or 7 to 8:30 p.m. on race day. After the race, an awards ceremony will recognize the top three men and women in all age categories with a custom medal.
The city described the Lightning Bug Boogie as the third race in a City of Hickory 5K series. Runners may enter any or all races for a chance at overall prizes. Timing is by Agape Timing Company. Frye Regional Medical Center is listed as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series, and OS1st as the Official Compression Sock.
The Lake Hickory Trails trailhead at Hickory City Park is at 1581 12th Street Drive NW. Contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or [email protected].
The July 6 notice does not list a runner cap, a rain date, or the overall-series prize.
Official release from City of Hickory, July 6, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/lightning-bug-boogie-5k-trail-run
